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Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket

Teams that can consistently pick up 20 wickets have dominated the longest format of the game. In test cricket, where taking 20 wickets is essential to winning, skill, perseverance, and consistency are highly valued. For the Kiwis, where the pitches are favourable for fast bowlers, producing world-class bowlers has always been vital to their success.

New Zealand's verdant, lush pitches, especially in venues like Wellington and Christchurch, are a boon to seam and swing bowlers. This has made the country a breeding ground for fast-bowling talent. What's amazing, though, is that a spinner manages to secure a spot on the list of the most successful Kiwi Test bowlers despite these circumstances.

In this article, let’s delve into the list of the top five New Zealand bowlers who have taken most wickets in test cricket.

5. Neil Wagner - 260 wickets

Neil Wagner - 260 wickets : Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket
Neil Wagner (Credits - ICC)

Neil Wagner, who was renowned for his unrelenting aggression, amassed an astounding 260 wickets at an average of 27.57 in just 64 matches. His unique bowling style, marked by sharp, accurate bouncers, made him a master of finding life on lifeless wickets.

Wagner made his test debut against the West Indies in 2012 at North Sound and was a key member of New Zealand's bowling attack from the time of his test debut until his retirement in 2024. His ability to break important partnerships and bowl extended spells provided him indispensable, and his never-say-die mentality was essential to New Zealand cricket. He played his final test match at Hamilton in 2024, against South Africa.

4. Trent Boult - 317 wickets

Trent Boult - 317 wickets : Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket
Trent Boult (Credits - Sky Sports)

Trent Boult was one of the world's most dangerous new-ball bowlers because of his ability to swing the ball both ways. In 78 games, Boult claimed 317 wickets at an average of 27.49. He was particularly lethal with the new ball, using the seam and swing-friendly conditions of New Zealand to full effect. Boult challenged both edges of the bat due to his innate ability to swing the ball into right-handers while maintaining its straight path.

Boult made his first appearance in Test cricket in 2011 against Australia in Hobart and quickly rose to the ranks with his pinpoint accuracy. His opening bowling combination with Tim Southee ranks among the most potent in modern Test cricket.

3. Daniel Vettori - 361 wickets

Daniel Vettori - 361 wickets : Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket
Daniel Vettori (Credits - ESPN)

Daniel Vettori stands out on this list as the only spinner. Despite the pace-friendly pitches in New Zealand, Vettori was extremely successful with his slow left-arm orthodox spin, taking 361 wickets in 112 matches. Recognized for his precision and ability to trick batters with flight, the former captain of New Zealand used small adjustments to outfox the opposition. 

Vettori made his test debut as a teenager in 1997 against England at Wellington. By the time he retired in 2014, he had become one of the top all-rounders in cricket history.

2. Tim Southee - 382 wickets

Tim Southee - 382 wickets : Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket
Tim Southee (Credits - ICC)

Tim Southee, with 382 wickets at an average of 29.87 from 102 matches, is New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. As a right-arm fast bowler, Southee has an exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways, with his outswinger to right-handers, being his stock ball. He is effective even in conditions that aren’t traditionally bowler-friendly because of his ability to reverse swing the old ball.

Southee made his debut in 2008 against England at Napier, where he impressed immediately with a five-wicket haul. Over the years, he has guided New Zealand's bowling attack and has been a key part of their success.

1. Sir Richard Hadlee - 431 wickets

Sir Richard Hadlee - 431 wickets : Top 5 New Zealand bowlers with most wickets in Test cricket
Sir Richard Hadlee (Credits - ESPN)

Regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders and possibly New Zealand’s best cricketer ever, Sir Richard Hadlee holds the record for most Test wickets for the Kiwis. In just 66 games, Hadlee claimed 431 wickets at an incredible average of 22.29. He was a master of seam and swing, capable of bowling at an incredible pace while maintaining accuracy.

Hadlee made his Test debut in 1973 against Pakistan and dominated throughout the 70s and 80s. His potential to single-handedly win matches for the Kiwis with both ball and bat earned him legendary status. He played his final test against England in 1990. At one point, Hadlee held the record for most wickets taken in test cricket before Kapil Dev overtook him in 1994.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports

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